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Topic: Folding camper purchase advice?

dazzer252

31/7/2019 at 7:49am
Location: Berkshire
Outfit: No current outfit

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Dear All,

Having sold our caravan 3 years ago we are considering purchasing a folding camper for use next season. Although we enjoyed our caravan we found that having to keep it in storage, and both kids now in primary school, we just didn't use it enough to justify the cost (storage, service, maintenance and depreciation). We have considered camping but think we would miss some of the "luxuries" that we had in the caravan. We have a budget of around £2000-£3000 in mind as don't want to go crazy on our first one till we know we can make use of it / like it.

The main advantage for us is that we can keep it on the driveway at home which should hopefully mean we can get away for weekends easier than we did with the caravan.

As we haven't owned one before we would be appreciate any current / former owners comments on the below:

1. As we have 2 boys (6 and 8) and a dog we think we would need to use the awning even for short breaks. Is it realistic to put this up just for weekend breaks or does it take too long to set up?

2. We want a unit with a toilet so are looking at the Pathfinder / Crusader currently. Are there any other makes to consider and in relation to the pathfinder / crusader has one got any advantages over the other?

3. What are the common issues to look for when we go to view? We appreciate we are probably looking at something around 2003 (ish) which will be used but what are the common faults / problems ?

4. Servicing - Do they need an annual service like a caravan ?

5. Insurance - What can we expect to pay ?

6. Winter cover - Is this recommended if storing outside all year (we would take the soft furnishings out over winter, etc)

7. How often does the fabric need treating (if at all) to maintain its water resistance ?

8. We know they come with the mattresses but how do you make up your beds....i.e do you use a fitted sheet and duvet or is it best to look at sleeping bags? Can the bedding be left on when the camper is folded up?

Any other advice or comments appreciated.... :-)

Many thanks

Darren

blueexpo97

31/7/2019 at 8:59am
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For a weekend break the full awning is a lot of work for such a short period. Look at an adapted porch awning, use the search facility there's loads of posts on the subject.

No difference between Pathfinder / Crusader.

No need really for annual service.

We did use a Winter cover on top of the transit cover and did find it beneficial.

We used a sheet and duvet and left in situ with no problems.

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How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
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Junior pullman

31/7/2019 at 11:34am
Location: Lincolnshire
Outfit: Pennine Pathfinder FC.

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We have Pathfinder 2003. I think this would suit you. It has a loo, hot/cold water. Two double beds. One ever so slightly smaller than the other. We bought an air awning for weekends. Still gives plenty of room for a table to eat at and for your children to play. We are with Towergate for insurance. Cost us £140 this year,which gives us the cover we want. We don’t have it serviced every year, but we do check everything out ourselves. My husband can fix most things.
We used to use a winter cover in storage but had a big mouse infestation, so now store it on the drive with just the travel cover. ( we back on to fields)Never had any problems, even in the coldest, wettest winters. We pull the cover back when weather permits just to get a bit of air circulating.
We use a fitted sheet and a double sleeping bag opened for our bedding. Very cosy. Because we use a foam topper it doesn’t give us enough room to leave the bedding on though. When you buy, I always think the important thing to look for is mould on the canvas, both cabin and awning. Always view with cabin and awning erected. Hope you find the unit to suit you. Your boys will love it. Happy camping.

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Love The Life You Live.

dazzer252

via mobile 31/7/2019 at 7:49pm
Location: Berkshire
Outfit: No current outfit

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Many thanks for the replies and advice. 👍

fiona f

31/7/2019 at 8:32pm
Location: Didsbury Manchester
Outfit: Trigano Randger FC Autocruise Jazz

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Hi,
We have a Trigano rancher 575 TC, which has 2 double beds, toilet, sink, hob/ grill& washing up sink. It’s slightly smaller than the pathfinder though the beds aren’t. Trigano stopped making the model around 2010. Ours is currently stored in France with everything inside & just the travel cover, no issues so far!. Mattress cover & duvets left in situ covered by the wet pack sheets. We use it a lot with out the awning, it’s a quick setup without, at the moment we’re using a decathlon storage shelter as there’s 4 of us in it.
At home in Manchester, we removed the soft furnishings & used a winter cover with no issues.
Insurance was approx £100
Difficult to use October to March due to difficulty drying out

Fiona

MrKev83

via mobile 31/7/2019 at 9:10pm
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We love ours. Check the canvas for rips and mould. See it put up and put away. We love ours and only paid 800 for it. Plenty on eBay

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3 kids under 10 and camping...wish me luck

navver

01/8/2019 at 8:50pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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If you dont have room to open a folding camper up to dry it out after a wet pack up, look at a Dandy (or Riva as they were called after 2003 ish). They are PVC material so can be left wet for months with no problems.

dazzer252

via mobile 01/8/2019 at 9:08pm
Location: Berkshire
Outfit: No current outfit

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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 01/8/2019
If you dont have room to open a folding camper up to dry it out after a wet pack up, look at a Dandy (or Riva as they were called after 2003 ish). They are PVC material so can be left wet for months with no problems.

Thanks...do they have a model similar to the pathfinder? (I.e 2 doubles, toilet, etc)

navver

02/8/2019 at 8:19pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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Yes, look at the Destiny (Toilet Model)

http://www.rivadandysales.co.uk/category/campers-for-sale/

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